sks for elk & black bear hunting?

0302 · July 04, 2012, 16:01

shot the yugo sks today, 7.62 x 39, and i think it will make an acceptable elk & deer & black bear hunting rifle with the addition of a scout scope, any suggestions on ammo?

mutter · July 04, 2012, 16:30

Deer yes. Bear and elk, no

GIshooter · July 04, 2012, 16:44

Years ago I worked up a deer hunting load for a few friends with SKSs. Speer 125 grain Hot Core bullet with a Winchester case, WLR primer, and Reloader 7 if I recall correctly. Feedback was good from the field with good shot placement. Shots were under 100 yards with iron sights from tree stands.
I would recommend a modern scoped rifle for elk and especially bear.

Illurian00 · July 04, 2012, 19:02

Personally, I wouldn't consider it for elk,,,niether would it be my first choice for,,, even black bear. I guess guys' are useing it for that though. I think you would be better off w/ a 170 grn. coming out of a 30/30. Even a 'small' black bear will be stronger (and thicker) than you might imagine.

TideWater 41009 · July 04, 2012, 21:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by mutter

Deer yes. Bear and elk, no

I completely agree.

Dirt1042 · July 04, 2012, 22:15

I've shot deer with a yugo sks. Worked ok. I even used wolf HPs

You wouldn't be doing the elk or bear justice whacking them with 7.62x39. .308win is even a little light for elk but would be ok for black bear. You need energy for elk just for the sheer size and toughness of the critter, let alone the ranges they can cover in a hurry.

**def90** · July 04, 2012, 23:16

Back when I lived in Minnesota I know a number of people that used them on deer. As above, I don't think the round is adequate for Elk or Bear.

0302 · July 07, 2012, 23:19

i have killed elk with bow& arrow, figured an sks is at least as deadly as an aluminum arrow with proper shot placement

JasonB · July 08, 2012, 08:02

An arrow with broadhead should make a larger diameter wound channel with deeper penetration than 7.62x39mm. Not to say 7.62x39 can't do it on elk(similar to .30-30 which has likely taken quite a few), but not exactly optimum either.

newfalguy101 · July 08, 2012, 09:21

Alos, if you havent already, might be a good idea to check game and park regs, I would almost bet the X 39 isnt legal for elk...

**Randall** · July 08, 2012, 09:51

The 7.62x39 has roughly the same balistics as the 30/30 winchester. I wouldn't use a 30/30 on an elk unless my family was near starving, and I had no better option. It just plain isn't the best choice.

Deer and black bear no problem. The 30/30's been used for over 100 years on these animals. The 7.62x39 should work just fine. Check your local laws for magazine capacity limits, bullet type requirements, legal methods of take, etc.

I can't offer any advice on what is available ammo wise for the SKS, but if Remington makes Coreloct rounds in 7.62x39 they'd probably be my choice for deer or black bear assuming they shot well enough. Simply because they are adequately tough enough for the game you're hunting and it's some of the least expensive off the shelf ammo you'll find. My guess is that they use .308 diameter bullets for this round though. I assume the SKS has an .311 bore like the AK-47???? So, you'll want to see how they shoot in your rifle.

IMO the better option to the SKS is a pawn shop buy on an old Savage Model 110 in 30-06. These are good accurate rifles...just not as pretty as some others. Damn near every pawn shop has them at decent prices. They can be had for less than the cost of most SKS's these days, and they make a much more versatile hunter than the SKS will ever be. And, you'll never be undergunned in elk woods with the 30-06.

STGThndr · July 15, 2012, 12:30

Agreed on the small deer part. Elk, never, black bear, maybe if the mag was filled and I had to.... I carry some soft points for my trunk gun "just cuz"- purchased maybe 10 years ago at a gun-shop in Trinidad Co. If you reload(?) gives you more options.
Look into paper-patching your under-size .308 bullets.. there is info on the net.. Or more than likely people here have tried this. Got the idea from an American Rifleman 20-25 years ago. Also works with British Enfield.

Dirt1042 · July 15, 2012, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall

The 7.62x39 has roughly the same balistics as the 30/30 winchester. I wouldn't use a 30/30 on an elk unless my family was near starving, and I had no better option. It just plain isn't the best choice.

Deer and black bear no problem. The 30/30's been used for over 100 years on these animals. The 7.62x39 should work just fine. Check your local laws for magazine capacity limits, bullet type requirements, legal methods of take, etc.

I can't offer any advice on what is available ammo wise for the SKS, but if Remington makes Coreloct rounds in 7.62x39 they'd probably be my choice for deer or black bear assuming they shot well enough. Simply because they are adequately tough enough for the game you're hunting and it's some of the least expensive off the shelf ammo you'll find. My guess is that they use .308 diameter bullets for this round though. I assume the SKS has an .311 bore like the AK-47???? So, you'll want to see how they shoot in your rifle.

IMO the better option to the SKS is a pawn shop buy on an old Savage Model 110 in 30-06. These are good accurate rifles...just not as pretty as some others. Damn near every pawn shop has them at decent prices. They can be had for less than the cost of most SKS's these days, and they make a much more versatile hunter than the SKS will ever be. And, you'll never be undergunned in elk woods with the 30-06.

I think the Remington 798 is a good "cheap" hunting gun as well. Zastava made mauser type

Dirt1042 · July 15, 2012, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0302

i have killed elk with bow& arrow, figured an sks is at least as deadly as an aluminum arrow with proper shot placement

Everyone else in this thread doesn't think so.

mutter · July 15, 2012, 20:54

An arrow has much better penetration than a 7.62 by 39. And it will create a massive wound channel for bleed out.

**VALMET** · July 15, 2012, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0302

i have killed elk with bow& arrow, figured an sks is at least as deadly as an aluminum arrow with proper shot placement

And Karamojo Bell shot elephants with a 7x57 but I wouldn't advise it

**idsubgun** · July 16, 2012, 07:12

I've seen elk killed with damn near everything. How many who have answered here have actually killed an elk? Or killed many, many elk? Except for the ones from Montana and Colorado, I doubt most here have.

I hunted elk for years with a .50 caliber, and later a .54 caliber muzzleloader. Never used a bow but have probably 30-40 friends that have.
I used a .308 for years before the muzzleloaders!

A SKS will kill anything in the lower 48! I carry a Russian SKS with a 4x scope in my truck as a survival gun here in Idaho, and I NEVER felt undergunned for any situation that may arise!

That being said, IF I were planning an elk hunt, I'd use something bigger simply because your shot may be a long one, and you want to be humane. Hunting for pleasure, and hunting for survival, are two different things.

Bear die just as easily as elk. 7.62x39 is powerful enough. I wouldn't even feel undergunned running into a Grizz. I load with steel core ammo so penetration isn't an issue.

People, remember....ALL of these animals are taken yearly with pistol rounds! And the 7.62x39 round is more powerful then ANY pistol round!

Also, Capstick took two bull elephants with a .22 LR. Proves shot placement is the most critical factor. You put the round in the proper place, and any animal will die.

**skeeterbay** · July 16, 2012, 22:26

Can't speak for elk but I have shot an awful lot of bear both black and Griz.

You don't say how your hunting them. Bait hunting black bears the SKS with the proper bullets will work just fine. Shot's are close and you can wait till the bear presents a nice broad side shot. Hunting over dogs can be exciting but the same applies you can get close and take a nice clean shot. JUST DONT SHOOT THE GUIDES DOGS! It gets a bit personal at that point.

Sitting far off watching a sunny side of a ridge somewhere will require a rifle with more range than the X39.

FWIW There is no big secret or anything misterious to killing black bears. They are pretty easy to kill if you do your part. I have tracked a good number of wounded bears over the years that were shot by sport hunters with large caliber rifles like the 30-06 and 300 win mag. Both very capable calibers and way more than enough for black bears.

The number one reason I had to track a wounded bear is because the hunter got nervous and took the shot to early and flub it.

Some hunters have no problem shooting a bear and are not the least bit nervous about it but others, even hunters that have shot many deer and other game get nervous on thier first bear and even their second or third bear. I don't know why but there is something about the sight of a bear that makes some people nervous or gives them buck fever?

You will laugh but I have seen hunters mess up a shot with a 300win mag when placed on a stand sitting 25 or 30 yards from the bait. More times than not it's because the hunter saw the bear in the distance coming into the bait, got nervous and tried to take an early shot on the bear moving between trees in the woods. If he had just waited and not gotten nervous he could have had a broad side shot at 25 yds.

The SKS can do the job with a proper bullet for black bear and deer at 100yds. Is there better choices sure but the SKS can do it and I wouldn't think twice about using one for black bear.

My best advice Just make sure you don't get nervous and take a poor shot. If your bait hunting take your time watch the bear for a while. It will cailm you if your jittery. Also many times while bait hunting the bear will leave the bait area without coming all the way in. LET HIM GO he will be back. Don't try a running butt shot thru the trees. Besides you want the bear to come in to make sure it's not a sow with cubs. Take your time make sure there are no cubs out in the brush waiting for mom to call them in.

Edited to add: I have shot black bears with handguns ranging from 357mag to 45-70 and even a 45auto. I don't recomend the 357mag but it can work if forced to and you have very good shot placement. The 44mag and 45LC are excellent black bear calibers.

STGThndr · July 17, 2012, 01:20

Curious- from whence arose the idea that the .30-30 and the 7.62X39 are on a par, power-wise? Ive heard the claim but never seen the results.

Firestarter · July 17, 2012, 08:25

I shot one of my Grandad's boar hogs in the nutsack with a Daisy bb gun once when I was a kid.

Must of hurt like hell because that nut drew up almost into his guts.

If Grandad had caught me doing that, he likely would have shot me!

**idsubgun** · July 17, 2012, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeterbay

I have tracked a good number of wounded bears over the years that were shot by sport hunters with large caliber rifles like the 30-06 and 300 win mag. Both very capable calibers and way more than enough for black bears.

The number one reason I had to track a wounded bear is because the hunter got nervous and took the shot to early and flub it.

I was on safari in Namibia in 2001, and my professional hunter told me that whenever a client would show up with a large, hard-recoiling rifle (i.e. .458 Win Mag, etc.), he would cringe because most people have a tendency to flinch when shooting them, usually either missing completely, or wounding the animal and having to track it.
I took a .375 H&H and a 6mm Rem, with me. I ended up shooting most of my game with the 6mm. Shot placement!!!!

mutter · July 17, 2012, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by STGThndr

Curious- from whence arose the idea that the .30-30 and the 7.62X39 are on a par, power-wise? Ive heard the claim but never seen the results.

From "Sierra" edition 5 printing 3

page 497

.308 load: 7.62 x 39 hunting load, 150 grain SPT, 2100 ft/sec, 1469 ft lbs
.311 load (SKS) maxes at 1405 ft lbs with a 125 grain SP

Page 507

30-30 Winchester hunting load, 150 grain FN, 2250 ft/sec, 1686 ft lbs
with 125 grain HP/FN 1735 ft lbs
Over 200 and closer to over 300 ft lbs makes the 30-30 quite a bit more powerful.

It's not just about shot placement, it's about using the correct tool for the task at hand.

With a big enough hammer to beat the crap out of the lug nuts on a car I could use a 1/4" ratchet to change a tire. In a pinch I'd do it but I generally prefer to use the lug wrench I carry in the trunk; just in case.

**skeeterbay** · July 17, 2012, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by idsubgun

I was on safari in Namibia in 2001, and my professional hunter told me that whenever a client would show up with a large, hard-recoiling rifle (i.e. .458 Win Mag, etc.), he would cringe because most people have a tendency to flinch when shooting them, usually either missing completely, or wounding the animal and having to track it.
I took a .375 H&H and a 6mm Rem, with me. I ended up shooting most of my game with the 6mm. Shot placement!!!!

Most hunters don't realize this but any guide that is worth his salt is evaluating his hunter from the first time he speaks to him. A good guide wants his hunters to tag out and he needs know just how to hunt the hunter.

Some guys show up and they are all wild eyed and rearing to go. They bring two large caliber rifles, a 500 linebaugh strapped to their hip and a bow all for one black bear. They change thier mind three times on what weapon they are going to use to take a bear before 24 hours is up. This is the type of hunter that most likely will get jumpy if you don't do something to calm him down. Check his shooting, put him on a bow stand nice and close to a bait, limit his field a view to just infront of the bait so he can't see the bear coming in and if needed sit a guide with him to keep him calm and hold his hand.

Then other guys show up and after a talk at dinner you just know they don't need any assistance. Drop them off at the bait site at 1400 and pick them and their bear up at dusk. They spend the rest of the week hunting coyotes and ATVing.

I guess it's all in what type of hunter you have and what they are use to. I have taken moose and bear with handguns and I don't think twice about it. It seems perfectly normal to me. An SKS for black bears at resonable ranges is something I wouldn't think twice about. However I can almost bet if you placed me in front of an elephant I would be a bit wide eyed.

GIshooter · July 17, 2012, 20:26

Yep. Had to eat my tag a few times but usually fill the freezer. All with the same .308 rifle. My advice to the OP is his choice of weapon, not the caliber. Yes. 7.62X39 can do the job with good handloads but there are better choices. Shooting a deer or black bear from a stand is do-able with a SKS as long as you can see your sights at dawn/dusk. I've got a Yugo SKS and would not want to go elk hunting with it.

JasonB · July 18, 2012, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by mutter

From "Sierra" edition 5 printing 3

page 497

.308 load: 7.62 x 39 hunting load, 150 grain SPT, 2100 ft/sec, 1469 ft lbs
.311 load (SKS) maxes at 1405 ft lbs with a 125 grain SP

Page 507

30-30 Winchester hunting load, 150 grain FN, 2250 ft/sec, 1686 ft lbs
with 125 grain HP/FN 1735 ft lbs
Over 200 and closer to over 300 ft lbs makes the 30-30 quite a bit more powerful.

The velocity/energy advantage of the .30-30 starts dropping as the distance increases due to the bullet shape...other than the Hornady stuff I assume?

Dirt1042 · July 19, 2012, 23:33

.300 RUM makes elk tacos every time

Dirt1042 · July 19, 2012, 23:36

But what the hell do I know about anything?

0302 · July 20, 2012, 00:47

barnes makes the new tsx fn 150 gr bullet for the 30-30, 100 yard velocity = 1751 fps, solid copper hp, penetrated 24" of ordnance gelatin, recommended for antelope, deer, black bear, hogs, elk, etc. i bring this up because my kids are going mule deer hunting , they are 12 & 13, and are not ready for heavy recoil. they shoot the sks well and are starting on the 30-30. i might be able to get elk tags later.

Dirt1042 · July 20, 2012, 21:06

Get close with that caliber for elk. That's easier said than done when unless it's early in the fall during bow season when they are all rutted.

0302 · July 21, 2012, 20:49

100 m or less on a deer or elk, the pine forests here are pretty thick

Dirt1042 · July 21, 2012, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0302

100 m or less on a deer or elk, the pine forests here are pretty thick

They are here as well, but it usually gets to be far in a hurry with elk.

0302 · July 24, 2012, 00:37

i am also considering a 6.8 spc or 6.5 grendel ar upper, which are also marginal but the kids shoot the ar-type well.

aepgilli · August 15, 2012, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0302

i am also considering a 6.8 spc or 6.5 grendel ar upper, which are also marginal but the kids shoot the ar-type well.

6.5 x 55 low recoil also, kilt many a moose

July 04, 2012, 16:01	#1
0302 Registered FALaholic #: 348 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,690	sks for elk & black bear hunting? shot the yugo sks today, 7.62 x 39, and i think it will make an acceptable elk & deer & black bear hunting rifle with the addition of a scout scope, any suggestions on ammo?

July 04, 2012, 22:15	#6
Dirt1042 Registered FALaholic #: 21859 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 3,799	I've shot deer with a yugo sks. Worked ok. I even used wolf HPs You wouldn't be doing the elk or bear justice whacking them with 7.62x39. .308win is even a little light for elk but would be ok for black bear. You need energy for elk just for the sheer size and toughness of the critter, let alone the ranges they can cover in a hurry. __________________ ORO Y PLATA! ~Pain By Steel Rain~ R 5/10 2nd Mar Div

July 04, 2012, 23:16	#7
def90 Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 50609 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Peoples' Republic of Boulder, Colorado Posts: 8,837	Back when I lived in Minnesota I know a number of people that used them on deer. As above, I don't think the round is adequate for Elk or Bear. __________________ There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live. Public libraries cannot let the public decide what is allowed in the library, or it would be brimming with pornography and gun magazines.

July 08, 2012, 08:02	#9
JasonB Registered FALaholic #: 7430 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 90° N 0° W Posts: 9,246	An arrow with broadhead should make a larger diameter wound channel with deeper penetration than 7.62x39mm. Not to say 7.62x39 can't do it on elk(similar to .30-30 which has likely taken quite a few), but not exactly optimum either. __________________ On Romney's being anti-gun.."If Barney Frank ran for president, I wouldn't need him to tell me in a debate that he'd still be gay if elected."-Shlomo

July 08, 2012, 09:21	#10
newfalguy101 Registered FALaholic #: 6260 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Clay Center, NE Posts: 4,241	Alos, if you havent already, might be a good idea to check game and park regs, I would almost bet the X 39 isnt legal for elk... __________________ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, mind and soul......... front sight, press. repeat as needed! 01 FFL :biggrin: Transfers $20 orders actual dealer + $50 Clay Center, NE

July 04, 2012, 16:30	#2
mutter Registered FALaholic #: 22871 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,027	Deer yes. Bear and elk, no

July 04, 2012, 16:44	#3
GIshooter Registered FALaholic #: 4372 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Wisconsin for now Posts: 511	Years ago I worked up a deer hunting load for a few friends with SKSs. Speer 125 grain Hot Core bullet with a Winchester case, WLR primer, and Reloader 7 if I recall correctly. Feedback was good from the field with good shot placement. Shots were under 100 yards with iron sights from tree stands. I would recommend a modern scoped rifle for elk and especially bear.

July 04, 2012, 19:02	#4
Illurian00 Registered FALaholic #: 28599 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,411	Personally, I wouldn't consider it for elk,,,niether would it be my first choice for,,, even black bear. I guess guys' are useing it for that though. I think you would be better off w/ a 170 grn. coming out of a 30/30. Even a 'small' black bear will be stronger (and thicker) than you might imagine.

July 07, 2012, 23:19	#8
0302 Registered FALaholic #: 348 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,690	i have killed elk with bow& arrow, figured an sks is at least as deadly as an aluminum arrow with proper shot placement

July 08, 2012, 09:51	#11
Randall Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 4979 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 1,915	The 7.62x39 has roughly the same balistics as the 30/30 winchester. I wouldn't use a 30/30 on an elk unless my family was near starving, and I had no better option. It just plain isn't the best choice. Deer and black bear no problem. The 30/30's been used for over 100 years on these animals. The 7.62x39 should work just fine. Check your local laws for magazine capacity limits, bullet type requirements, legal methods of take, etc. I can't offer any advice on what is available ammo wise for the SKS, but if Remington makes Coreloct rounds in 7.62x39 they'd probably be my choice for deer or black bear assuming they shot well enough. Simply because they are adequately tough enough for the game you're hunting and it's some of the least expensive off the shelf ammo you'll find. My guess is that they use .308 diameter bullets for this round though. I assume the SKS has an .311 bore like the AK-47???? So, you'll want to see how they shoot in your rifle. IMO the better option to the SKS is a pawn shop buy on an old Savage Model 110 in 30-06. These are good accurate rifles...just not as pretty as some others. Damn near every pawn shop has them at decent prices. They can be had for less than the cost of most SKS's these days, and they make a much more versatile hunter than the SKS will ever be. And, you'll never be undergunned in elk woods with the 30-06. __________________ Purveyor Of Stupid Questions Last edited by Randall; July 08, 2012 at 10:19. Reason: forgot to add:

July 15, 2012, 12:30	#12
STGThndr Registered FALaholic #: 14583 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Southern Colorado mtns and desert Posts: 3,409	Agreed on the small deer part. Elk, never, black bear, maybe if the mag was filled and I had to.... I carry some soft points for my trunk gun "just cuz"- purchased maybe 10 years ago at a gun-shop in Trinidad Co. If you reload(?) gives you more options. Look into paper-patching your under-size .308 bullets.. there is info on the net.. Or more than likely people here have tried this. Got the idea from an American Rifleman 20-25 years ago. Also works with British Enfield. __________________ Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. W.B Yeats

July 15, 2012, 20:54	#15
mutter Registered FALaholic #: 22871 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,027	An arrow has much better penetration than a 7.62 by 39. And it will create a massive wound channel for bleed out.

July 16, 2012, 07:12	#17
idsubgun "Comfortably Numb" Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Idaho Posts: 9,192	I've seen elk killed with damn near everything. How many who have answered here have actually killed an elk? Or killed many, many elk? Except for the ones from Montana and Colorado, I doubt most here have. I hunted elk for years with a .50 caliber, and later a .54 caliber muzzleloader. Never used a bow but have probably 30-40 friends that have. I used a .308 for years before the muzzleloaders! A SKS will kill anything in the lower 48! I carry a Russian SKS with a 4x scope in my truck as a survival gun here in Idaho, and I NEVER felt undergunned for any situation that may arise! That being said, IF I were planning an elk hunt, I'd use something bigger simply because your shot may be a long one, and you want to be humane. Hunting for pleasure, and hunting for survival, are two different things. Bear die just as easily as elk. 7.62x39 is powerful enough. I wouldn't even feel undergunned running into a Grizz. I load with steel core ammo so penetration isn't an issue. People, remember....ALL of these animals are taken yearly with pistol rounds! And the 7.62x39 round is more powerful then ANY pistol round! Also, Capstick took two bull elephants with a .22 LR. Proves shot placement is the most critical factor. You put the round in the proper place, and any animal will die. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum "If you wish for peace, prepare for war"

July 16, 2012, 22:26	#18
skeeterbay Veteran Member Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 20461 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,772	Can't speak for elk but I have shot an awful lot of bear both black and Griz. You don't say how your hunting them. Bait hunting black bears the SKS with the proper bullets will work just fine. Shot's are close and you can wait till the bear presents a nice broad side shot. Hunting over dogs can be exciting but the same applies you can get close and take a nice clean shot. JUST DONT SHOOT THE GUIDES DOGS! It gets a bit personal at that point. Sitting far off watching a sunny side of a ridge somewhere will require a rifle with more range than the X39. FWIW There is no big secret or anything misterious to killing black bears. They are pretty easy to kill if you do your part. I have tracked a good number of wounded bears over the years that were shot by sport hunters with large caliber rifles like the 30-06 and 300 win mag. Both very capable calibers and way more than enough for black bears. The number one reason I had to track a wounded bear is because the hunter got nervous and took the shot to early and flub it. Some hunters have no problem shooting a bear and are not the least bit nervous about it but others, even hunters that have shot many deer and other game get nervous on thier first bear and even their second or third bear. I don't know why but there is something about the sight of a bear that makes some people nervous or gives them buck fever? You will laugh but I have seen hunters mess up a shot with a 300win mag when placed on a stand sitting 25 or 30 yards from the bait. More times than not it's because the hunter saw the bear in the distance coming into the bait, got nervous and tried to take an early shot on the bear moving between trees in the woods. If he had just waited and not gotten nervous he could have had a broad side shot at 25 yds. The SKS can do the job with a proper bullet for black bear and deer at 100yds. Is there better choices sure but the SKS can do it and I wouldn't think twice about using one for black bear. My best advice Just make sure you don't get nervous and take a poor shot. If your bait hunting take your time watch the bear for a while. It will cailm you if your jittery. Also many times while bait hunting the bear will leave the bait area without coming all the way in. LET HIM GO he will be back. Don't try a running butt shot thru the trees. Besides you want the bear to come in to make sure it's not a sow with cubs. Take your time make sure there are no cubs out in the brush waiting for mom to call them in. Edited to add: I have shot black bears with handguns ranging from 357mag to 45-70 and even a 45auto. I don't recomend the 357mag but it can work if forced to and you have very good shot placement. The 44mag and 45LC are excellent black bear calibers. __________________ 'S Rioghal 'Mo Dhream Ard Choille! Last edited by skeeterbay; July 16, 2012 at 22:39.

July 17, 2012, 01:20	#19
STGThndr Registered FALaholic #: 14583 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Southern Colorado mtns and desert Posts: 3,409	Curious- from whence arose the idea that the .30-30 and the 7.62X39 are on a par, power-wise? Ive heard the claim but never seen the results. __________________ Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. W.B Yeats

July 17, 2012, 08:25	#20
Firestarter Registered FALaholic #: 11413 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: **** you Posts: 5,672	I shot one of my Grandad's boar hogs in the nutsack with a Daisy bb gun once when I was a kid. Must of hurt like hell because that nut drew up almost into his guts. If Grandad had caught me doing that, he likely would have shot me!

July 17, 2012, 20:26	#24
GIshooter Registered FALaholic #: 4372 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Wisconsin for now Posts: 511	Yep. Had to eat my tag a few times but usually fill the freezer. All with the same .308 rifle. My advice to the OP is his choice of weapon, not the caliber. Yes. 7.62X39 can do the job with good handloads but there are better choices. Shooting a deer or black bear from a stand is do-able with a SKS as long as you can see your sights at dawn/dusk. I've got a Yugo SKS and would not want to go elk hunting with it.

July 19, 2012, 23:33	#26
Dirt1042 Registered FALaholic #: 21859 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 3,799	.300 RUM makes elk tacos every time __________________ ORO Y PLATA! ~Pain By Steel Rain~ R 5/10 2nd Mar Div

July 19, 2012, 23:36	#27
Dirt1042 Registered FALaholic #: 21859 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 3,799	But what the hell do I know about anything? __________________ ORO Y PLATA! ~Pain By Steel Rain~ R 5/10 2nd Mar Div Last edited by Dirt1042; July 19, 2012 at 23:45.

July 20, 2012, 00:47	#28
0302 Registered FALaholic #: 348 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,690	barnes makes the new tsx fn 150 gr bullet for the 30-30, 100 yard velocity = 1751 fps, solid copper hp, penetrated 24" of ordnance gelatin, recommended for antelope, deer, black bear, hogs, elk, etc. i bring this up because my kids are going mule deer hunting , they are 12 & 13, and are not ready for heavy recoil. they shoot the sks well and are starting on the 30-30. i might be able to get elk tags later.

July 20, 2012, 21:06	#29
Dirt1042 Registered FALaholic #: 21859 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 3,799	Get close with that caliber for elk. That's easier said than done when unless it's early in the fall during bow season when they are all rutted. __________________ ORO Y PLATA! ~Pain By Steel Rain~ R 5/10 2nd Mar Div

July 21, 2012, 20:49	#30
0302 Registered FALaholic #: 348 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,690	100 m or less on a deer or elk, the pine forests here are pretty thick

July 24, 2012, 00:37	#32
0302 Registered FALaholic #: 348 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,690	i am also considering a 6.8 spc or 6.5 grendel ar upper, which are also marginal but the kids shoot the ar-type well.

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